Jared Goff On Playoff Win Over Rams: 'Never About Revenge!'
In early 2021, the Los Angeles Rams and Detroit Lions made a trade that may go down as one of the most-fascinating in NFL history.
Seeking a way to get over the top, the Rams made a bold play to acquire longtime Lions star Matthew Stafford for an upgrade at quarterback. In return, the Lions received quarterback Jared Goff, a 2021 third-round pick and first-round picks in 2022 and 2023.
Everyone is quick to declare a winner in such blockbuster trades, but this seems to be one of the few occasions where both teams walked away satisfied. The Rams saw more immediate success, as Stafford helped them win Super Bowl LVI in just his first season with the club. Meanwhile, the Lions found more success later down the road, as they are now one of the league's elite teams with a rejuvenated Goff under center.
Jan 14, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) and Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) greet each other after a 2024 NFC wild card game at Ford Field.
Credit: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports
The two teams also met in a highly-anticipated playoff game last month, which Goff's Lions won in dramatic fashion, defeating Stafford's Rams 24-23.
In an interview with Complex, Goff opened up about what the playoff victory over his former team really meant to him.
"I've talked about that so much recently and I really think the thing that still rings true is how much more important it was getting a win for our team and our city," Goff said. "It was the first playoff win in so long and a home playoff game, the energy in that building was incredible.
"Obviously there were some personal connections for me, but it was never about me getting revenge or vindication or anything like that. It was about getting a win for our team and playing as best I can. There were some emotions that I had to deal with, but it was easy once I focused on what really mattered."
The weight of the game for Detroit outweighs any personal connections Goff has, as it marked the Lions' first home playoff game in 30 years and their first playoff win in just as long.
Even though Goff says revenge wasn't on his mind, there's no doubt that he thought about his history with the Rams. Leading up to the game, Goff said the chip on his shoulder from the trade would "never leave him."
Goff ultimately led the Lions to the NFC Championship Game, and had them on the cusp of their first Super Bowl appearance with a 24-7 halftime lead over the San Francisco 49ers. Unfortunately, the 49ers came back to win 34-31, giving the Lions another dose of heartbreak.
